Strive-the Student View
April, 2007 edition

The Benefits of Being a SADHA Member While in Dental Hygiene School

 
By Virginia Brokalakis

A Passionate Commitment

Receiving my acceptance letter into the dental hygiene program is where my journey began. Immediately upon entering the dental hygiene program, I learned about the importance of being a member of my professional organization beginning as a student. Our instructor, Deborah Nastelli, RDH, is very passionate about her students being a part of the Student American Dental Hygienists' Association (SADHA). I believe she is passionate because she is an active member of ADHA and has been in the dental hygiene profession for over 20 years. She also knows how beneficial it is to be a member of ADHA and would like us to share in this experience. She informed our class of the benefits of joining SADHA and encouraged us to join.

Being a member of SADHA has opened many doors for me along my journey. Dental hygiene students who belong to SADHA have the opportunity to preview our careers and options as a dental hygienist through SADHA. Upon registering and receiving my membership card, I spent a lot of time on the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) Web site at www.adha.org. As a dental hygiene student who belongs to SADHA, I saw all of the opportunities I had at my disposal, such as the chance to attend meetings and symposiums and gain as much knowledge as possible.

Participation at Association Meetings

Professional development is a requirement for Mrs. Nastelli's class. One of the ways she tries to instill professionalism and the importance of belonging to our professional organization is to require us to attend a component or constituent meeting. My first opportunity to attend a dental hygiene professional meeting was the Florida Dental Hygiene Association (FDHA) annual symposium held in Orlando, Fla. As soon as I was informed of the convention, I registered immediately. While in attendance at the symposium, the first thing I noticed was the number of students as well as practicing dental hygienists.

I was able to gather an abundance of information about the new advances and technologies in dental hygiene. For example, I was able to try on loupes and get a feel for the many instruments manufactured by different companies that are out there. It was interesting to see firsthand that many dental hygienists make their own decisions as to what products and instruments are purchased to accommodate their personal preferences.

Attending this symposium was truly motivational and inspiring, and it showed me the large numbers of dental hygienists who belong to this profession. For dental hygiene students, there was a forum for our voices to be heard and for us to network with other students and members. I look forward to attending upcoming meetings this year to meet new people and network.

Many Resources

Reduced registration cost for local, state and national meetings is one of the many benefits of being a SADHA member. Other benefits include all of the publications of ADHA such as Access and the Journal of Dental Hygiene (online). Dental hygiene students who receive Access are kept informed of the trends in dental hygiene, columns on professional development, ergonomics, nutrition, infection control, new products, and opinions of colleagues. The Journal of Dental Hygiene offers us peer-reviewed scientific articles regarding the practice of dental hygiene and research in the profession.

As a student member, it is also extremely beneficial to have access to the ADHA Web site, including the "members-only" section. Having access to the Web site enables me to keep up on all of the current events in dental hygiene. I find it very useful to be able to log on and have so many resources at my fingertips as a result of my membership. The Web site is always updated with new information regarding continuing education and internships, among many other options. Also upon registering for SADHA, I agreed to have updates sent to me via email about all of the upcoming events and products. I am one who is very enthused and passionate about the dental field, so receiving all of these helpful resources helps me expand my knowledge, which I greatly appreciate.

The ADHA Web site also provides numerous opportunities to network with members who are very active and devoted to their organization. We are given these opportunities because the dedicated members join together to organize the meetings. After the organization of the state and local meetings, our school and SADHA make us aware that we have the opportunity to attend. By networking with active members at the local level, dental hygiene students have the opportunity to discuss ideas and share thoughts and experiences of day-to-day practice.

Continuing Education Courses and Scholarships

Another benefit is the continuing education courses that are provided at a reduced cost. Expanding our knowledge is something that will never end, and the continuing education courses give dental hygienists the opportunity to keep learning. Also, ADHA's Institute for Oral Health provides scholarships for students enrolled in accredited dental hygiene programs. ADHA also offers reduced rates for liability insurance and the opportunity to apply for a student Mastercard is also available.

Employment Opportunities

Another amazing benefit is employment assistance. This includes online employment reference materials as well as constituent- and component-based networking and resume posting services available to all members throughout the country.

Graduation and Beyond: The Importance of Conversion

After graduation, more doors are opened and opportunities are provided for dental hygiene students when we convert our memberships to full active status. Converting our memberships provides us with the same benefits that were available as students, including workshops, educational programs and conferences that will always keep us updated on the changes and advancements in our pro

As a dental hygiene student, I truly encourage other dental hygiene students to become an active member of SADHA. Being an active member allows us to have a voice in the journey of dental hygiene. We will also gain knowledge of our upcoming profession and have an advantage regarding all of the advancements that are unfolding.

Entering and currently going through the process of the dental hygiene program is something I have wanted for a very long time. Having this opportunity to be a part of the SADHA organization as a dental hygiene student and to possibly make a difference as a student means so much to me. I fully intend to convert my membership to be an active ADHA member after graduation. I would like to continue on the path of being an active member by attending conventions and courses and so forth. I think every dental hygiene student can benefit from registering for SADHA and being an active member because of the endless advantages and opportunities.

Resource

The American Dental Hygienists' Association Web Site. Available at www.adha.org.

Virginia Brokalakis is currently in her second semester in the dental hygiene program at Pasco Hernando Community College in New Port Richey, Florida. She is the vice president of her class and an active member of SADHA. She is very passionate about the dental field, in which she worked for eight years prior to enrolling in dental hygiene school, five of them as an oral surgery assistant. She loves working with patients and feeling like she has made a difference in their lives. She is looking forward to her future career in dental hygiene and helping people to improve and maintain their oral health.